Abstract
The Somatology industry as a discipline involves close body contact, where the risk exists between the client and the therapist, as well as between clients. It is expected that in these personal treatments a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness of surfaces, implements, as well as the washing of hands are upheld. However, in recent years the prevalence of specific viral infection resistant to simple cleansing methods after receiving treatments such as manicures, pedicures or even eyebrow shaping, raise questions of correct hygiene practices and perceptions of somatology therapists. The purpose of this study was to assess the hygiene perception and practices of Somatology students working in the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Somatology Training Clinic (STC). This study was conducted in two (2) phases. Phase one (1) of this study was an exploratory study using a quantitative research design with objective (microbial isolation) data. Phase two (2) was a quantitative, descriptive non-experimental research design which was to determine the hygiene perception of somatology students working in the STC. The study concluded that hygiene practices in the somatology clinic are below expected standards. This could imply that therapist in the clinic are almost ignorant or less informed of the risks involved in their work. This situation calls for the Somatology department to identify and implement methods of sensitizing and organizing lectures, training workshops and seminars for the somatology students especially those working in the clinic.
M.Tech. (Somatology)